Shuffle: Plurality, Not Majority in GOP Poll

A recent survey of Darien Republicans showed 44 percent in favor of the proposed Shuffle of town facilities, with 33 percent opposed and 23 percent undecided.

The survey also shows strong support for Chris Shays' bid for U.S. Senate, rather than Linda McMahon, according to the Republican Club of Darien, which conducted the survey.

Shays has the support of 57 percent of town residents, with 40 percent backing McMahon. In the presidential race, Mitt Romney has a plurality of support from town Republicans, with 37 percent.

The next most popular person is non-candidate Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, with 15 percent, followed by Herman Cain (15 percent) and Jon Huntsman (11 percent). Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was the choice of only 4 percent of town Republicans.

A total of 361 people responded to the mailed survey to Darien households where Republicans live. Six percent of the respondents were unaffiliated voters, and 1 percent were Democrats.

This is the Republican Club of Darien's announcement:

Darien Republicans would prefer to see former US Congressman Christopher Shays rather than Linda McMahon as their party’s candidate to fill the seat of retiring US Senator Joseph Lieberman, according to an annual opinion survey conducted by The Republican Club of Darien.

57% of the survey respondents opted for Shays, while 40% picked McMahon, who was unsuccessful in her 2010 bid to replace retiring Senator Christopher Dodd.

On the national level, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was clearly the preferred choice among twelve possible nominees.  Romney was the first pick among 37% of respondents.  Other candidates receiving noteworthy recognition were Chris Christie (19%), Herman Cain (15%) and Jon Huntsman (11%).  Texas Governor Rick Perry drew considerably less support at 4%.

How the survey was done

Each year the club conducts an informal survey of Darien voters to determine their opinions on a range of town, state and federal topics.  The survey’s results are shared with elected officials, planners and other interested parties who need to be informed about voters’ desires and preferences . The questionnaire is compiled from issues suggested by the club membership and town leaders.

Questionnaires were mailed in October to households where one or more residents were registered Republicans. 366 persons responded by the October 31 due date, either online or by the mail, with a composition of 93% Republicans, 6 % Unaffiliated and 1% Democrats.

With respect to age distribution, 10% were 39 and under, 43% were 40 – 59 and 48% were 60 and over. Most consider themselves fiscally conservative (44%) and moderate with regard to social issues (43%). 

Asked whether the weak economy had adversely affected their finances 42 % answered “considerably” and another 44% indicated “somewhat”. Only 14% said “not measurably”.

44% favor the Selectmen’s proposed “facilities shift” or “shuffle” wherein the Senior Center would occupy the Board of Education offices at the Town Hall Annex and the Board of Education would relocate to the former library building at 35 Leroy Avenue. 33% were opposed to the shuffle and 23% were undecided.

Affordable housing, sidewalks, plastic bags

Respondents registered strong opposition to State Statute 8-30g which mandates that a minimum of 10% of housing in every town be affordable. 84% were against the mandate, although.

69% supported the idea of modifying 8-30g by allowing towns to combine housing regionally in order to satisfy the mandate. Moreover, 75% were in favor of counting accessory apartments in meeting the 10% requirement.

The idea of building privately-financed affordable housing for seniors at the present Senior Center site on Edgerton Street, if it were moved, received relatively strong interest with 64% in favor, 22% were opposed and 14% undecided.

Funding the construction of neighborhood sidewalks in small sections of town received general approval, but with a caveat. 62% would support building new sidewalks provided that it was financed by a combination of  private as well as public funds. Only 49% of respondents support construction of new sidewalks totally with taxpayer dollars.

Banning plastic bags by way of  a town ordinance did not strike a responsive chord. Eighty-three percent prefer a voluntary initiative that encourages customers to choose other options. Only 15% opt for a ban.

State and federal issues

Questions on state issues centered on taxes and budgets. 70% disapprove of the way Governor Malloy and the state legislature handled this year’s budget deficit crisis. More than likely no surprise to residents of Darien, 87% agreed that repealing or reducing the estate tax would make it more compelling for retired folks to stay in Connecticut.

With respect to the distribution of state tax dollars, 64% indicated they believe the state’s major cities receive a disproportionate share.

Of five possible measures to help reduce the state’s budget deficit, two options received the most positive responses:

1. Seeking efficiencies in delivery of state services, 40%; and
2. Reducing state employee salaries and/or benefits, 31%. At the time of the survey, details regarding the Governor’s proposed fare increase for Metro-North were unavailable. 

However, 76% agreed that additional revenues from any fare increase be devoted solely to Metro North operations and equipment expenses and not other state functions.

Federal laws prohibit persons who enter the U.S. illegally from receiving social services. With respect to eligibility for state subsidies, 92% of respondents do not support subsidies such as fuel assistance, in-state tuition and public housing for illegal immigrants.

The Tea Party movement promises to be an important factor in the 2012 campaign. 63% of respondents believe the Tea Party represents a bona fide movement. With respect to the Tea Party’s stand on tax policy, 57% felt the Tea Party should “adopt some flexibility.”

Editor's note: Some style changes were made and section headlines added in the club's announcement, as published above, but no wording changes were made.